Immigrate to Australia as a Chef: Process and Pathways

Food has no language, no religion, knows no boundaries, it is just made out of love and trust that binds people even over borders. As we trust doctors during illness, we let our lives into the hands of chefs for our food.  

Australia’s food industry is quite famous for innovation and the diversification of food culture. Their culture appreciates and worships food as a piece of art, culminating Australia as one of the hospitable countries across the globe. So, if you are passionate about different cuisines, cooking and tasting food across cultures, then explore how you can immigrate to Australia as a chef and later reside as an Australian permanent residents.

Over the recent years, the majority of applicants who desire to immigrate to Australia come under the hospitality sectors especially Chefs. Over the years, there has been immense demand for chefs in Australia, highlighting the importance of skilled chefs required in the hospitality sector. With the increasing demand, chefs have already been nominated as one of the highest paying job profiles in Australia.

Understand Chef

A Chef (ANZSCO Code- 351311) is a skilled professional who plans and organises the preparation and is wholly responsible for cooking food in dining and catering establishments. Though he is wholly responsible for cooking and deciding menus, he is often regarded as the head of the kitchen duties. With the management skills inherited, he is also entitled to train his teammates for the greater efficiency of the kitchen. 

Read More: How to Immigrate to Australia as a Cook

Shortage Occupation List for Chef

Australia has faced acute shortage of chefs over the years as the occupation is itself listed on the Australia Shortage Lists, highlighting the urgent need of skilled professionals in the hospitality sector in Australia. The list is as follows: 

National - Shortage 

Role and Responsibilities of a Chef

A Chef is entitled to handle all the cooking responsibilities whereas keeping a bull’s eye on all the coordinating activities of the kitchen. Well, a qualified chef need to understand all the responsibilities listed below: 

❖  A chef is responsible for planning menus, estimating food and labour costs, and even ordering food supplies

❖  A chef always monitor the quality of dishes at all stages of preparation and presentation

❖  He also discusses food preparation issues with Managers, Dietitians and kitchen and waiting staff

❖  On a regular basis, a chef is entitled to demonstrate techniques on cooking procedures

❖  A chef prepares and cook food and even freeze and preserve food for next day events

❖  A chef is responsible for selecting and training his staff, enforcing the importance of hygiene regulations. 

Visa Pathways to Immigrate to Australia as a Chef

Immigrating to Australia as a chef needs proper planning and strategy so as to reach this plan successfully. However, any applicant who desires to immigrate to Australia as a chef, must choose the correct visa pathway. The visa pathways available to chefs are: 

1.  Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Subclass 189, allows applicants to immigrate in search of better job opportunities on the basis of skills inherited during their course of education. With this visa, applicants can immigrate to Australia without any sponsorship or nomination required for employment. 

2.  Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Subclass 190, skilled professionals to immigrate to Australia only when applicants are being nominated by the Australian state or territory such as Queensland, Western Australia, and New South Wales. Without state nomination, immigrants cannot move to Australia in search of better employment opportunities. 

3.  Skilled Work Regional (Provision) Visa (Subclass 491)

Subclass 491, allows candidates to immigrate to Australia only if they are being nominated by the regional states of Australia such as Perth, Adelaide, and GoldCoast. 

4.  Graduate post-Vocational Visa (Subclass 485)

Subclass 485, allows international students who have just graduated or have an associate degree wish to immigrate to Australia for better educational or employment opportunities. 

Average Salaries Drawn by Chefs in Australia

Being in a passionate occupation, sometimes money remains a secondary goal while fulfilling dreams remains a priority in life. Well, on an average, a chef earns a significant amount of money during their career. 

How to Immigrate to Australia as a Chef

Well, applicants who want to design and invest their lives in Australia, must map their activity according to the needs of Australia's work culture. So, if you want to immigrate to Australia as a chef, then follow some steps and make you dream come true.

 1.  Check Eligibility

Applicants who desire to immigrate to Australia as a chef need to check eligibility requirements for the process. The eligibility factors are:

❖  65 points:

●    Age

●    Work experience

●    Educational qualifications

●    English language proficiency test score (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)

❖   Selected occupation to be listed on the Australia Skilled Occupation List with valid ANZSCO Code

 2.  Skill Assessment from Skillset

A chef needs to submit all the educational credentials to TRA Skill Assessment Authority. the skill assessment authority evaluates candidates qualifications according to the Australian standards. Along with educational credentials, applicants need to submit some of the essential documents such as:

●    Valid passport

●    Employer reference letter

●    Work experience letter

●    Bank statement (3-6 months)

 3.  Apply ROI

After skill assessment, applicants are required to submit ROIs. ROIs (Registration of Interest) are official declarations, stating candidates' interest in Australian states or territories for immigration. Candidates applying under Subclass 190 need to specify state nomination such as to Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and other states of Australia and regional states under Subclass 491 such as to Perth, Adelaide, and Newcastle.

 4.  Register EOI

Once ROIs are submitted, candidates have to lodge an EOI (Expression of interest). With EOIs, states the applicant's purpose behind immigration and the duration of stay in Australia. 

 5.  Receive ITA

The last step in this journey is receiving an ITA from the Department of Home Affairs ensuring completion of process and an indication to submit all the remaining essential documents for immigration.

 Immigrating to Australia as a Chef is a golden opportunity for skilled culinary professionals to build their careers while enjoying a high standard of living. With passion for cooking, Chefs can turn their dream of cooking into a gateway for permanent residency and a thriving future in Australia’s vibrant hospitality industry.